Ngikhumbule khaya - Bafana
Bafana Nhlapo is a singer and percussionist known for his ancient vocals and unusual combinations of instruments. Rhythmic and free of boundaries, his music attracts the attention of listeners from across the globe. Bridging the traditional Zulu vocals of South Africa with contemporary music styles such as Fela Kuti/AfroBeats, funk, jazz and rock, Bafana’s music presents experimentalist expression at its purist. Bafana sings in both English and his mother-tongue isiZulu and practices Zulu’s wailing which resembles other indigenous vocal techniques such as Yoik. Master of the falsetto vocal register, his voice resonates a strong, peaceful vibrancy which takes its listener into a new dimension.
An extraordinary performer. Bafana combines his unique music with an energetic edge and strong stage presence. Continuous up-speed rhythms quickly lure the audience to dance to the beats. His lively performance turns live concerts into an unforgettable experience. Organically integrating indigenous attire, facial paints and body-movements into his performance, ritualistic practice runs as theme throughout Bafana’s stage presence with utmost authenticity.
Born and raised in Soweto (South Africa), Bafana developed his attuned taste for musical expression at early age. Growing up, Bafana would listen to his mother playing handmade instruments while working and harvesting, following Zulu tradition. With famous band King Star Brothers’ singer as father, Zulu’s Iscathamiya music tradition and South African Jazz form a noticeable foundation of Bafana’s music techniques and style. After completing his music education, Bafana soon sought ought again the sounds of recycled metal and household items that characterized the music in his community. For Bafana, the materials which constitute our daily-life surroundings have a story to tell. Through a continuous search to bring out the astonishing sounds harbored in objects of his surroundings, Bafana has over the years acquired a unique repertoire of industrial and light percussion. His instruments reverberate the kind of liberating intimacy and holiness of life which leave audiences amazed. The attuned set of instruments by which Bafana shares his repository of traditional and modern influences tell the story of where he is going and where he came from.
Bafana’s reputation for extraordinary vocal and musical skills has long earned him opportunities to share both stage and studio with well renowned artists such as the late Busi Mhlongo, Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Madala Kunene, Mutabaruka, Pops Mohamed. After 5 years as a professional musician, Bafana joined the South African band Kwani Experience with whom he toured extensively, building a second musical homes in the Netherlands and France. The band recorded 2 albums together, which received several national award nominations including Best Newcomer and Best Group.
Since his moving to Oslo 10 years ago, Bafana has played many concerts and starred as Peter Tosh in the musical The Legends at The Norwegian Opera in Oslo. Ngikhumule khaya is Bafana's first Oslo recorded album. In it, Bafana fuses traditional South African rhythms reflecting Bafana’s cultural background with contemporary and jazzy brass sounds performed by some of Norway’s best jazz musicians.
“The songs had a hypnotic power and a solid melodic substance, and the vocals offered a distinctive character, intensity and nerve we seldom hear. What a remarkable voice!!” Kjell Nordeng - Avisa Nordland